In November 1932, the U.S. Army ordered the development of anamphibious reconnaissance aircraft/bomber, intended to act as navigation leaders and rescue aircraft for formations of conventional bombers. The resultant aircraft, which was ordered under the bomber designationYB-11, was designed in parallel with the similar but largerDouglas XP3D patrolflying boat for theUnited States Navy. It was a high-wingedmonoplane with twoWright R-1820 Cycloneradial engines mounted in individual nacelles above the wing, resembling an enlarged version of theDouglas Dolphin.[2]
Prior to completion, it was redesignated firstly as an observation aircraftYO-44 and then as theYOA-5 'observation amphibian model 5'.[3] It first flew during January 1935, and was delivered to the army during February that year.[2] The concept for which it was designed proved impracticable, and no further production ensued, but the YOA-5 was used to set two world distance records for amphibians, being finally scrapped in December 1943.[4]
An amphibious reconnaissance bomber ordered in 1932 by the US Army Air Corps, powered by 2xWright R-1820-13 Cyclone radial engines.
YO-44
The YB-11 redesignated in the Observation category before completion.
YOA-5
Another redesignation to the Observation Amphibian category. One built, given the aforementioned designations at various times in its life. The YOA-5 started life withWright R-1820-13 Cyclone engines, was re-engined with 930 hp (690 kW)Wright YR-1820-45 Cyclone engines for experimental long-range flying, then re-engined again with 750 hp (560 kW)Wright R-1820-25 Cyclones.
